Thursday

When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 1) by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description:  Despite being raised in a traditional Old Order Amish family, seventeen-year-old Hannah Lapp desires to break with custom, forgo baptism into the faith, and marry outside the cloistered community. She’s been in love with Mennonite Paul Waddell for three years, and before returning to college for his senior year, Paul asks Hannah to be his wife. Hannah accepts, aware that her marriage will change her relationship with her family forever.
On the evening of their engagement, tragedy strikes and in one unwelcome encounter, all that Hannah has known and believed is destroyed. As she finds herself entangled in questions that the Old Ways of her people cannot answer, Hannah faces the possibility of losing her place in her family, in her community– and in the heart of the man she loves.

My Review:  Hannah Lapp chaffs at her father's Old Order ways and his non-mercy toward his family.  Hannah wants something different from life than what her parents have offered her.  She longs for mercy, love and acceptance.  At seventeen she is able to "make up her own mind" and secretly she's in love with a Mennonite boy, Paul.
Paul is off to college but asks Hannah to marry him.  Hannah knows her engagement to Paul will change her relationship with her family and community forever.  Is love strong enough to conquer all?!?  
But alas, tragedy strikes and Hannah has an unwelcome encounter with the "ugly side" of life.  As events drag on . . . Hannah must decide if she will stay in the Old Order ways of her people and the traditions that have been instilled in her or will she break free to follow her heart.
Breaking free from family and life traditions is never easy so for a seventeen year old to make these decisions seems even harder.  As one reads Hannah's story it will break your heart to see a young woman with so much potential have to deal with the hardness of people's attitudes.  But yet, the peace and love that come from a loving God will increase one's hope.
Amish fiction either causes one to think about rules and regulations or it's a reminder that God is in control. All we have to do is make the decision to follow His ways!
This is an excellent 5 star read about the Amish and Mennonite peoples.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series, When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 2).
*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah*

Buy Book HERE!



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